8 Indulgent Mardi Gras Party Recipes
Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, is the celebration that occurs before Lent. Since some people fast during Lent, Mardi Gras serves as an opportunity to feast before the fast begins. While this holiday is most traditionally Catholic, many individuals choose to celebrate regardless of their faith. And it’s no wonder why! Everyone can enjoy a little indulgence from time to time.
In the United States, New Orleans and Mardi Gras go hand in hand. Lousiana’s French and Creole influences have shaped the food we associate with the holiday, but there are also other options. We’ll share eight of our favorite recipes to make this Mardi Gras.
New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch via Tara’s Multicultural Table
Brandy milk punch is a popular cocktail in New Orleans. We’ve selected this recipe for our readers who are over 21 and looking for an adult beverage that’s a perfect fit for the holiday. If kids are around, they’ll probably want some of the punch, so you might consider making an alcohol-free version so that everyone can join in the fun. And if you’re indulging in brandy milk punch, don’t forget to drink responsibly!
Mardi Gras Slaw via The Runaway Spoon
There are so many rich dishes associated with Mardi Gras, but we wanted to include at least one option that’s festive without being so heavy. That’s why we’ve included this Mardi Gras slaw. It uses colorful vegetables in signature Mardi Gras colors and plays with traditional Louisiana flavors. We think it would be awesome as a side dish, a sandwich topping, or the base of an entree salad.
30 Minute Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo via My Kitchen Craze
While gumbo is standard Louisiana fare, it can be complicated and time-consuming to make. This recipe may not satisfy traditionalists, but we’ve included it because it packs in some of the flavors of gumbo while being approachable for average home cooks.
Vegan Jambalaya via Connoisseurus Veg
Louisiana cuisine often features meat and seafood, so it can be hard for vegetarians and vegans to find a suitable dish to celebrate the holiday. That’s why we’ve selected this recipe. While it includes traditional flavors, it’s entirely vegan. You can cook it on a stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it more convenient.
Mardi Gras King Cake via What a Girl Eats
We’ve included this recipe because king cake is so strongly associated with Mardi Gras that our list would be incomplete without it. If you choose to include the traditional small plastic baby in the cake, just be sure everyone knows it’s there and eats carefully.
Beignets via Immaculate Bites
Beignets are a popular type of donut sold throughout New Orleans. Their overwhelming popularity earned them a spot on this list. Even if they weren’t strongly linked to New Orleans, though, their decadence would seem perfectly fitting for Mardi Gras.
Authentic Polish Paczki via Seasons and Suppers
In the United States, we usually focus on New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions this time of year. However, Fat Tuesday is celebrated around the world. We’ve included this recipe on the list because the paczki tradition is also alive and well in communities with a strong Polish population. These donuts are similar to beignets, but they are traditionally filled with jam or custard.
Pecan Pralines via Tornadough Alli
It’s Mardi Gras, so why skimp on the dessert? Pralines are a popular Southern candy, which makes them worth considering for your Mardi Gras celebration. But the reason we’ve included them in this list is that you can make them ahead, so you won’t have to scramble to put them together last minute.
What are your favorite treats to enjoy on Mardi Gras? Post in the comments section below to tell us what you like to indulge in.
